About Me

Tierra Verde Handmade Soap

I’m a wife, mom, and a self proclaimed soap nerd with an entrepreneurial spirit-living in Lubbock Texas, (a place best known for our expansive horizon, cotton,and as the birth place of Buddy Holly.)I guess you might say I’ve got a serious addiction to all things soap related. Come hang out, as I share my adventures in a world where chemistry meets art.

Etsy Mini

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“Homemade soap feels good: soft, rich, enveloping, soothing. The lather is dense and penetrating rather than thin and airy. It leaves an emollient film on your skin that makes it feel soft and sensuous. Homemade soap is comforting in ways which manufactured soap can never be: its look, its weight, its bulk, how it feels in your hands, looks in its dish. There is something ineffable about homemade soap. It’s not homogenized, pasteurized, deodorized, sanitized or synthesized - it’s one of a kind, every bar different, each unique. It is idiosyncratic in the way of all homemade and handmade things.”

May 30, 2013

I haven't made soap in probably a good couple of months, and I haven't made soap in the log mold in probably a year (after having some issues with the condensation and the silicone liner-now I think it was too much water in my formula, I discounted even more and that helped) I've been making rounds in PVC mostly and not working with color much,but after attending the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Conference-well I just had a hankering to get out the ol' log mold and play a bit. Here's the first attempt-I'm pretty darn happy with it. I have to say I was a bit nervous. (I hate to screw up a batch and waste perfectly good eo's) The colors aren't exactly what I wanted to do-I wanted a base a bit more towards white and pale green on top,but I didn't have anymore green oxide sooooo, yellow kaolin it is. The eo blend is so lovely and refreshing for summer-Rosemary, Peppermint, Cedarwood and Lemon 5x-just so very clean and fresh.

May 28, 2013

If you're wondering what the answer is, head on over to the Soap Queen blog where I not only explain what "nerds and cheerleaders" have to do with soap, but also give you the low down on Dr. Dunn's session on Superfat or Discount? Identical or Different?

May 26, 2013

Beautiful clouds and sky, somewhere between
Dallas and Lubbock on the day of the Moore tornado-hard to believe such
an ugly event could occur so close to home on a day like this. Our hearts and prayers go out to those that are picking up the pieces in Moore,Oklahoma-we are your neighbors and our condolences come from the heart.

May 24, 2013

*Pardon the yellow in the pics, I wasn't sure how to change the setting to Tungsten obviously.

Every day (several times a day) the vendors were there to allow easy shopping for conference attendees. There were many products and services available to peruse and choose from. Everyone was so friendly and there were lots of samples to be had too. (we love samples!)

As you can see there were lots of exhibitors that took time out of their schedules to be at the conference-Thank you so much for all your kind hospitality! It was great to see so much product in one place.

May 23, 2013

Warning-this is a very pic heavy post and may take some time to load. If you aren't into the glorious beauty that IS the North Carolina State Farmer's Market you might want to skip this blog post. :-))

Right off you are greeted by glorious fresh bouquets of flowers.

Fresh produce of every kind is abundant at this fabulous market.

Oh my! How beautiful are these tomatoes? Just look at those amazing cucumbers in the background.

Flowers, herbs, veggie plants of all kinds are prolifically displayed at this Farmer's Market

I wish I could bottle up the sights and wonderful aroma of this glorious farmer's market. The wide array of colors overwhelm you as you make your way through the various aisles, the pleasant aroma of fresh strawberries and juicy ripe apples are soon replaced with the herbal freshness of rosemary and other herbs.

This farmer's market boasts "30,000 square feet for North Carolina farmers to sell fresh produce,
plants, and other specialty items produced on local farms. Plants
are available starting in March and local fruits and vegetables are
sold throughout the growing season. This is where you can find the
freshest and widest variety of produce and plants in the area."

You can find anything from seafood,meats,cheeses,wines,handcrafted soap,crafts,baked goods, plants, and of course fresh produce. The farmer's market grounds also hosts three restaurants-one of which is the mainstay North Carolina Seafood Market-the servings are generous, hot and very tasty (I recommend the popcorn shrimp.) Also, remember this is the South where you will be offered "Sweet Tea" at every stop.

If you're ever in the area I highly recommend a visit to the North Carolina State Farmer's Market.

May 22, 2013

The beautiful Midtown Hilton we stayed in...the folks there were so nice and the food was delicious!

For those of you who wonder if the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild Conference is worth it....I would say a
resounding "Yes!" Not only were there so many interesting sessions to
attend on topics from Marketing to Swirling,SEO to making
silicone molds,but there are many, many vendors-some of who may be new
to you, and probably the best part are all the new and interesting
people you'll meet.

I'll have more information for you over
the next few days.I'm waiting for my notes to get shipped home from
North Carolina.- Stay tuned!

May 11, 2013

The first nature walk of the season-a scouting trip actually. Just checking to see what is blooming- not a whole lot yet, but it won't be long. I love the anticipation of what will be in bloom the next time I make a trip out to the flower gardens. In the height of the season I try to go almost daily and I'm surprised to find something new almost every time. I love the familiarity of the garden it's like seeing old friends-even the hummingbird that sits atop the leafless tree is there this season. Some of the plants are new yet to be discovered by my camera and I, some things have yet to poke their sleepy heads from the comfort of fertile earth. I love how magical it is to witness the transformation from sprout, to bud, and finally majestic bloom.

May 10, 2013

So,this shave brush just went out the door and folks it is stunning in person, the photo does not do it justice. Purpleheart is a naturally purple wood, sturdy and dense this shave brush has a lovely heft to it-topped off with the top of the line in Badger shave knots this is a very special gift for Dad or Grad.